News Story

2015 Washington University NF Center Summer Interns Make New Discoveries

Claire Henson is a rising sophomore at the University of Tulsa. For her summer project, she worked with Angela Hirbe, MD, PhD to understand how a new genetic mutation found in malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors controls their growth. Claire’s work represents a critical initial step towards developing new imaging and treatment strategies for these deadly malignancies.
Joanna Kim is a rising sophomore at Washington University. She worked with Corina Anastasaki, PhD to determine how the NF1 gene controls nerve cell function. Using NF1 patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells developed in the Washington University NF Center, Joanna’s studies may one day lead to the discovery of new genetic markers for learning and behavioral problems in children with NF1.
Nikki Izhakoff is a rising junior at Washington University. Over the summer, she worked with Joseph Toonen, PhD to understand how new therapies for NF1 brain tumors improve vision in mice. For her studies, Nikki used novel Nf1 mouse models of optic glioma to study the impact of brain tumor treatments on the function of the nerve cells in the eye.

Joanna Kim

Joanna Kim


Claire Henson

Claire Henson


Nikki Izhakoff

Nikki Izhakoff